Master of Space Operations (Canberra)

Educating leaders in Defence, government & industry

International

You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.

91��˰涶�� to the largest space capability in the country, UNSW Canberra’s Master of Space Operations will advance your knowledge and expand your career opportunities. Learn from the best of the best in science education and graduate with the skills required to provide planning and operational expertise to a growing industry.

Commencing Terms: Semester 1 & 2
Duration: 1 Year(s)
Delivery Mode: Online
Campus: Canberra
Codes: Program code 8624; CRICOS code -


2025 Indicative first year full fee: $38,500*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $38,500*
2025 Indicative first year full fee: $48,000*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $49,000*

Blue planet Earth. Spacecraft launch into space. Elements of this image furnished by NASA.

Fully online
Optional research project
One year full-time

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Overview

Help shape the future of the global space industry with UNSW Canberra’s Master of Space Operations. Gain the technical expertise and strategic insight to lead and innovate in the fast-evolving space sector. From satellite systems to space missions, you'll build the skills to excel in space operations across government, Defence and private industry.

Being home to Australia’s leading space capability, 91��˰涶��offers unparalleled access to cutting-edge space technology and world-class facilities. You’ll work alongside experts in space systems, learning how to design, plan and operate spacecraft that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you aspire to manage satellite networks or launch new space ventures, this program prepares you for high-impact roles in the space sector.

Graduating with a Master of Space Operations opens doors to exciting career paths, from mission planning and space systems engineering to policy development and entrepreneurship. Join a new generation of space professionals driving progress and shaping the future of space exploration.

Key features

Unrivalled space facilities
Gain hands-on experience with Australia’s first space mission concurrent engineering design facility, alongside state-of-the-art resources like the Falcon Telescope, cleanroom and satellite ground stations.

Accelerated career path
With a strong focus on both managerial and technical skills, you’ll be ready to take on leadership roles in space operations. Whether you’re looking to work as a satellite controller, space policy analyst, or space entrepreneur, this degree will fast-track your leadership journey.

Research and innovation opportunities
91��˰涶��offers unique opportunities for students to engage in original research and innovation. With an optional research project, you can explore cutting-edge topics, contribute to ground-breaking discoveries, or prepare for a higher research degree.

Why study at UNSW Canberra?

Australia’s largest space capability
Study at the forefront of space research and innovation with UNSW Canberra’s unmatched space facilities and expertise. As the nation’s leader in space education, 91��˰涶��gives you access to the latest technology, with real-world projects that will set you apart in the competitive space industry.

Learn from industry leaders
Be mentored by top experts in space systems, Defence and space operations. UNSW Canberra’s academic staff are not only leading researchers but also deeply connected with industry and government, ensuring you gain relevant, up-to-date insights to propel your career.

Global career prospects
Our strong industry connections and global reputation as leaders in the space sector provide a springboard for your career. Graduates of this degree are in demand worldwide, whether you aim to work in government, Defence, or the burgeoning commercial space industry.

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Program Code

8624

Campus

Canberra

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

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Entry requirements

Please refer to the��for the Entry Requirements.��

English language requirements

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You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Please refer to the��for the Entry Requirements.��

English language requirements

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English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

Program structure

The Master of Space Operations at 91��˰涶��is delivered by the School of Engineering and Information Technology. Students will complete 48 Units of Credit (UOC), made up of four core courses and four elective courses.

You’ll study core topics like space mission design, satellite communications and space systems engineering. You’ll also explore the economic and strategic drivers of the global space industry. With a mix of technical and managerial courses, this program equips you to lead and innovate in space operations.

There’s also an option for students to dive into an area of interest with an independent research project.

Full program structure

This program contains a total of 48 units of credit (UOC) and can be completed in one year of full-time study. Students must complete:

This program contains a total of 48 units of credit (UOC) and can be completed in one year of full-time study.

Core courses - 24 UOC

Space Operations

Space Systems Technology

Space Systems Engineering Management

Space Cooperation, Conflict and Competition

Prescribed Electives - Up to 24 UOC

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)

Cyber Resilience: Management Governance and Acquisition

Information Assurance Principles

Satellite Communications

Spaceborne Imaging Technology

Requirements Practice

Test and Evaluation

Project Management Body of Knowledge

Capability Option Analysis

Applied Machine Learning

Global Security

Australian Defence Policy: Concepts and Challenges

Contemporary Strategy

International Law in Global Politics

Military Game Changers in 21st Century Warfare

Human Factors and the Technological Interface

Understanding Social-Technical Systems: Ideas, Spaces and Cultures

Research Project - Up to 12 UOC

Project Report – Engineering Science Part-Time

Project Report – Engineering Science Full-Time

Research Thesis A
Space Operations

Space Systems Technology

Space Systems Engineering Management

Space Cooperation, Conflict and Competition
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)

Cyber Resilience: Management Governance and Acquisition

Information Assurance Principles

Satellite Communications

Spaceborne Imaging Technology

Requirements Practice

Test and Evaluation

Project Management Body of Knowledge

Capability Option Analysis

Applied Machine Learning

Global Security

Australian Defence Policy: Concepts and Challenges

Contemporary Strategy

International Law in Global Politics

Military Game Changers in 21st Century Warfare

Human Factors and the Technological Interface

Understanding Social-Technical Systems: Ideas, Spaces and Cultures
Project Report – Engineering Science Part-Time

Project Report – Engineering Science Full-Time

Research Thesis A

Future careers

Graduates of the Master of Space Operations are entering a rapidly expanding global space industry, where innovation and technological advancement are key. From satellite management to space policy analysis, career opportunities span government, defence and private sectors. As space systems become critical to communication, security and exploration, you’ll be equipped to drive progress and tackle the challenges of this dynamic industry.

Potential roles

Aerospace Engineer
Astronautical Engineer
Defence Consultant
Launch Operations Specialist
Mission Analyst
Mission Controller
Orbital Analyst
Payload Systems Engineer
Project Manager
Satellite Operations Engineer
Satellite Systems Analyst
Space Operations Coordinator
Space Policy Analyst
Space Systems Engineer
Spacecraft Operations Engineer
Systems Integration Engineer
Test Engineer

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our��portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date.��.

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted via��our  service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement��date. For��more information visit��our .

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Fees & Scholarships

2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$38,500*

2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree

$38,500*

*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the .

2025 Indicative First Year Fee

$48,000*

2025 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$49,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the��.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit��.

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.